Nepotism charges: ACB to probe Delhi ads contracts allegedly awarded to Manish Sisodia's relative

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch has initiated investigation into allegations of nepotism in awarding state government advertising contracts, adding to the friction between ACB chief M K Meena and the Aam Aadmi Party government.

Meena, who was appointed by lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, on Thursday morning told reporters that he has received complaints alleging that deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's relatives got "most" advertising contracts from the director of information and publicity (DIP).

But, by evening, he had changed track and refused to name Sisodia or anybody specifically while speaking to ET. "Inquiry is going on. Notices have been issued to furnish all documents and files. Legal action will be taken after completion of inquiry," he said.

DIP in a statement, however, said no notice has been received. When ET quizzed Meena about this, he said notices have been issued. Three notices to the director of DIP for furnishing "concerned" documents have been sent. However, details of the complaints received or precise names of files sought were not available.

Meena refused to discuss details of contracts saying investigations have just begun and hence it was premature to share the information.

It appears that the complainant has impressed upon ACB that Sisodia benefited relatives. But neither Meena nor ACB had any precise information to link the AAP leader with alleged nepotism. Delhi government officials said no fresh contract had been awarded ever since February, 2015, when AAP came to power.

In its statement, DIP said "all" advertisements in print, electronic and outdoor media are "strictly released only through DAVP empanelled agencies, and strictly on DAVP rates". So, there is no possibility of awarding contracts to relatives, it added.